They paved paradise and put up a parkin' lot

Five nights in “paradise” and we are ready to be back home. We did not do a ton of tourist stuff, but we did get out and about Honolulu via the bus most days, and purchased plenty of touristy gifts—Hilo Hatte’s got a fair share of our business. It’s been crazy hot and humid here, and we are homesick for dreary Seattle. Most of our treks have been from Starbucks to Starbucks looking for a cool iced tea, and A/C to take shelter on our forays about.

We went to the Waikiki Aquarium, Waikiki beach, and did the requisite Lu’au. cuddlyeconomist has been having problems with her foot, so tried to limit the walking somewhat, and I’ve been sick the past few days—likely allergies, but it could’ve been a cold as well. We took refuge from the heat two days in the movie theater, which used real butter for their popcorn. Overall we’ve spent far too much time in cramped buses and elevators packed with short Asian teenagers wearing rejects-from-the-80s fashions.

The Pearl Harbor memorial was the one thing I wished we could’ve fit into our trip, but it requires going out there very early and they have major constructions going on right now building a new visitor’s center. I went with the family when I was here previously, but Margo’s not seen it. Perhaps next time we’ll bring Rhys and go after the new buildings are open.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

Freaky visuals and interesting characters. It's definitely based on a juvenile novel, and is very much a "part 1" movie, but a good time.